Free choice of doctor is still only on the paper

Patients complain that they cannot chose the specialists, which they want so free choice of doctor set by the law only works on the paper. Doctors argue that they cannot accept new clients due to health insurance companies. These each month commit a package of performances that will be covered. Therefore they are refusing patients and sending them to the outpatient clinics in the place of their residence. Health insurance companies defend their approach and say that specialists sometimes provide unnecessary examinations. Ministry of Health and health insurance companies also argue that free choice of doctor in Slovakia real exists. Therefore in the case of its violating Ministry recommends dissatisfied patient to complain.